FANS.TV unveils online platform

'Battle Mode' gives fans interactive experience

Reality TV junkies will have a new way to tune in as FANS.TV unveils its latest product, an online platform that allows users to up the competitive ante on their favorite programming.

“Battle Mode” congregates fans of specific sports, fights, and reality competitions in a head-to-head online chat arena where they can choose their respective sides — be it a particular baseball team or crooner on a singing competition — and duke it out in chatrooms geared towards specific programming. FANS.TV demonstrated a example where Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat basketball fans were able to select which team they supported and then fired back and forth in a designated chatroom during gametime. Platform aims to enhance the competitive energy already created through these television programs.

“Rather than a free-for-all chat,” said FANS.TV topper Andrew Cuccurullo, “Battle Mode encourages viewers to pick sides and then defend their position and razz on the other side.”

Users can create their own “Battle Mode” events around programming, but the platform will also host chatrooms around specific events. The first official battle on the site will occur tonight in conjunction with the UFC Clay Guida versus Gray Maynard fight that will air on FX at 9pm ET.

Site in general serves as a way for TV fans to connect and share their favorite shows online with a “Playlist” feature. The consumer web destination launched last month after years of contributing to the social TV initiatives of the CW and other nets.